Early-Onset Colorectal (Bowel) Cancer
A survey dedicated to young patients and their experience.
Colorectal cancer is often thought of as a disease that affects older people over 65. However, increasing numbers of adults under 50 are being diagnosed worldwide. This is often referred to as “early-onset” colorectal cancer. Many young adults still face delayed diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and limited awareness.
Starting date: October 13, 2026
For patients diagnosed under 50 • Takes ~20 mins • 100% anonymous
Available in the Following Languages:
English
Spanish
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Croatian
Romanian
Polish
Latvian
Serbian
Dutch
About the Survey
In 2025, Digestive Cancers Europe (DiCE) launched the first European study exploring the experience of young people diagnosed with early-onset colorectal cancer. The findings revealed a common reality. Many people experienced delays in diagnosis, had their symptoms dismissed, and faced the emotional impact of receiving a cancer diagnosis at a young age. The study also showed that early-onset colorectal cancer is different from colorectal cancer diagnosed later in life, highlighting the need for greater awareness and earlier diagnosis.
The 2026 Survey Continues This Work
Your story can help improve the future for others. Available in 12 languages, the survey brings together experiences from young people across Europe. By sharing your experience, you will help strengthen research, raise awareness, support earlier diagnosis, and influence future care and clinical guidelines of early-onset colorectal cancer.
Working Together
Behind this survey is a team of patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals united by one goal: improving the future for people affected by early-onset colorectal cancer.
By working together and listening to real experiences, we can create evidence that drives awareness, earlier diagnosis, better care, and meaningful change across Europe.
Continue Your Journey
Whether you have been recently diagnosed, are living with early-onset colorectal cancer, or are supporting someone you love, DiCE has developed trusted resources to help you navigate life beyond diagnosis.
Explore practical guides and awareness materials created with patients and healthcare professionals.
- The last thing I expected at this age
- Listen to Your Gut
- When Life Turns to the In-Between
- You’re young, but it might be cancer
If you’d like to learn more about our early-onset colorectal cancer educational materials, please visit our publications page.
Scan to take the survey directly on your phone
Communication toolkit (coming soon)
Every experience can help us better understand early-onset colorectal cancer.
Help us reach more people who were diagnosed with colorectal (bowel) cancer before age 50 and give them the opportunity to share their experience.
Download and share our communication materials with your community, patients, members or networks. Together, we can bring more personal voices and lived experiences into this research.
For more information about the survey, contact eocrcsurvey@digestivecancers.eu.